what would happen please if?

snow_queen

Hello

I claimed WTC and then my self employed hours dropped to below 16 hours per week? or is it done on an average of how many hours? ie as long as the average over the time is 16 hours is that ok?

thanks

Fran

Snow_queen,

Yes, they work it out as an average. You have to inform them if your income increases or decreases by £2,500 and they will alter your award in that case.

snow_queen

thanks fran!

so what would happen if it dropped to say 12 hours or 10 hours? i know its ok for it to go up but no more than 30 hours!

thanks

dag_2

so what would happen if it dropped to say 12 hours or 10 hours?

I think it's like Fran says - they base it on an average.

More to the point - if you're self-employed, they usually just take your word for it on how many hours you're doing. The definition of what counts as "time at work" for self-employed people can be a bit hazy - so no-one really checks.

So I'd say, use your judgement, and don't worry about it. I guess they might be suspicious if your earnings for the whole tax year are lower than what you would get on the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours a week.